Studio Policies
WHY These policies?
You might wonder why I have studio policies and why agreeing to them is necessary to book and attend lessons. These policies are in place to ensure a clear and mutually respectful arrangement between us, outlining what we can both expect before we begin working together. Many businesses, from doctors to music teachers and schools, have similar guidelines to help them operate fairly and sustainably.
The attendance policy is necessary because lesson time is reserved specifically for a student and can't be resold like a physical product if missed. When a student books a lesson, that time slot becomes unavailable to others. Given the limited availability, and because I may have declined other students to hold your spot, that reserved time becomes your commitment.
To maintain a consistent and sustainable studio environment, the outlined policies are a standard requirement for all students.
Studio Policies
Lesson Policy Overview
Please read these policies carefully. By booking a lesson, you agree to these terms.
These studio policies apply exclusively to students who privately book with my studio. Students who study with me through any other organization are governed by the policies of the separate organization.
Non-Compete Declaration
As I teach for various organizations, this private studio and its schedule are designed to avoid competition with the programs he works for. Current students of these organizations should not utilize private studio time during common business hours, this ensures clear boundaries and supports the integrity of all programs I teach for.
My private studio operates in a manner that does not interfere with my responsibilities or performance at any other organization, avoids any conflict of interest with my role there, maintains the confidentiality and integrity of school operations, and upholds the values at these educational institutions.
Payment Policies
The studio operates on a pre-paid lesson basis.
Scheduling:
Regular Students - Pay on a tuition basis. Your reserved spot will be booked by the instructor through Calendly before the month begins, and you will receive an invoice with for tuition that is due at the start of the new month.
Students an individual-appointment basis - See instructor availability in Calendly and book your lesson when it works for you.
Lessons in the Coming Month: If your lesson is scheduled for the upcoming month, payment is due by the beginning of that month.
Current-Month Bookings: Payment is due at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Students on consistent schedule - students who have a consistent weekly time pay tuition to maintain their reserved spot. Cancellations are not available, however, please consult the rescheduling policy to be aware of your options.
Individual Appointments - Students who schedule individual appointments on an a-la-carte basis may not cancel their lesson.
A 24-hour grace period is provided for Calendly bookings where a client may reach out and have their appointment cancelled if a booking has been incorrectly scheduled and needs to be changed. Only one allowed per 30 day-period.
Refunds
No Refunds for Client Absence: We do not offer refunds if you have a time conflict or miss a lesson.
Instructor Cancellation Only: Refunds are only provided if the instructor misses a scheduled appointment.
Rescheduling
(Make-Up Lessons)
A single lesson per month may be reschedule for students on a consistent schedule (students who pay tuition).
48 hours notice must be given from the initial lesson time to be eligible for a make-up lesson.
The make-up lesson must occur within the same month, and will occur on an available Sunday afternoon or an occasional Saturday.
If you provide advance notice about absences before the month begins, I can increase make-up options (maximum of 2 per month), as long remakes are completed within the same month.
Students who book through an individual appointment basis may not reschedule any lesson.
Lesson Attendance
& Punctuality
Timely Arrival: Please arrive on time for your scheduled lessons so you get the full lesson duration.
Late Arrivals: If you anticipate being late, please notify your instructor promptly. If we don't hear from you within 10 minutes of the scheduled start time, the lesson will be considered a no-show and completed. We won't be able to make up time lost due to student lateness.
Instructor Cancellations
& Availability
If your instructor cancels a pre-paid lesson and rescheduling isn't possible, you'll receive a credit towards a future lesson or a refund upon request.
Your instructor will start lessons on time. If they are ever late, you'll still receive your full lesson duration.
Student Policies
Client Definition: For these policies, "Client" refers to the student, along with any parent, guardian, or other associated party.
Borrowed Materials
Responsibility: Students are responsible for all borrowed materials.
Sheet Music Returns: Any original sheet music borrowed must be returned within a reasonable timeframe, typically one week - specified by instructor
Lost or Damaged Materials: If borrowed materials are lost or damaged, the client (student/guardian) is responsible for the replacement cost.
Payment
Advance Payment Required: Lesson fees must be paid in advance by the specified due date noted on invoice.
Unpaid Lessons: If a lesson fee is not paid, the instructor reserves the right to cancel the lesson.
Late Payments: While all lessons should be paid in advance, in the unlikely event of a late payment, a $5 charge will be incurred for each day the payment is past the lesson date.
Delinquent Payments: Additional measures may be taken to collect any overdue payments.
Professionalism
Client Conduct: Clients are expected to maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with the instructor.
Dangerous Behavior: In cases of harassment or violent/pre-violent behavior, the lesson may be ended immediately. Future lessons will resume at the instructor's discretion, and the lesson charge will not be adjusted or refunded for the early termination.
Voice Lesson Posture: For voice lessons, students should stand for most of the lesson to optimize their technical outcome.
Attentiveness: The instructor expects students to listen attentively and avoid speaking or singing over them when feedback is being provided.
Recording
Lesson Archiving: The client acknowledges that the instructor may record and privately archive lessons for review and feedback purposes.
Home Studio Rules
Respect for Property: If lessons take place at the instructor's residence, please show respect for the home, property, and belongings.
Damage Liability: Clients may be held liable for any damage caused to the instructor's studio, residence, belongings, or teaching tools due to client misconduct.
Parking:
Parking gate access may be provided for students and accompanying parties. You are responsible for the safety of your parked vehicle.
Visitors should park in unmarked spots on floors designated for guests.
The instructor and studio are not liable for vehicle damage or towing resulting from inappropriate parking.
Pet Policy:
The instructor’s pet is an obedience-trained dog who is friendly to people and other dogs. She typically loves guests in the home studio, however she may take a few minutes to get to know new clients.
Please be aware that there is a dog at the instructor's residence. Be cognizant of any allergies or sensitivities you may have.
Students are responsible for interacting appropriately with the dog to ensure the well-being of both parties. In short, please be respectful of the dog. She is friendly and well-trained, but like all living things, please approach her with respect and gentleness to promote harmony.
The instructor and his pet assume no liability for injuries incurred due to client aggression, escalation, or disrespect of boundaries with the pet.
Instructor Policies
Consent & Inclusion
Consent for Hands-On Training: Your consent is highly valued. For aspects of voice training that involve hands-on approaches, your instructor will always ask for and respect your consent.
Inclusive Environment: The instructor is committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and professional learning environment.
Respectful Communication: The instructor respects all backgrounds and will make every effort to use your preferred name, pronunciation, and pronouns.
Addressing Sensitivities: If certain songs or topics cause discomfort, please communicate this to your instructor. They will adjust the material or conversation with the sensitivity needed to ensure you feel safe and seen.
Limited Email Communication: Expect email communication only for material directly relevant to your course.
Lesson Recordings
Student Recording for Private Use: You may record lessons for your private playback only.
No Public Posting: These recordings may not be posted on any public forum.
Performance Readiness
Assessment for Competition/Recital: Your instructor will assess your readiness if you wish to compete or perform in a recital. Participation in competitions will be at the discretion of the voice teacher and other involved parties.
Pet Responsibility
Free-Roaming Pet: The instructor's friendly and well-trained dog often roams freely during lessons.
Guided Interactions: The instructor will guide you on appropriate interactions with the pet.
Communication
Instructor's Right to Communicate: The instructor reserves the right to communicate with your client contacts or emergency services regarding your progress, behavior, safety/health concerns, and payment status.